Prospect Resources Advances Mumbezhi Copper Project with Strong Drill Results
Prospect Resources (ASX: PSC) has reported significant progress in its Phase 2 drilling programme at the Mumbezhi Copper Project in northwest Zambia, with initial assay results confirming substantial copper mineralisation that validates the company's geological model.
Diamond Drilling Delivers Impressive Copper Intercepts
The current Phase 2 exploration programme at Mumbezhi is advancing rapidly with three diamond drilling rigs operating across the project's key deposits. To date, Prospect has completed 2,968 metres of diamond drilling at Nyungu Central through ten holes, with initial assay results confirming notable copper mineralisation.
The most significant result came from hole NCRD009, which returned a 49.0-metre intersection grading 0.52% copper from 314 metres depth, including higher-grade zones of:
- 12.3 metres at 0.79% copper from 331 metres
- 8.0 metres at 0.80% copper from 314 metres
These results are particularly meaningful as they validate Prospect's structural geological model for the Nyungu Central deposit, confirming the presence of thickened mineralised zones adjacent to unmineralised amphibolite sequences.
Expanding Deposit Footprint Beyond Existing Resource
Prospect's drilling is systematically testing extensions to the Nyungu Central deposit, which currently hosts an 86.7 million tonne resource grading 0.5% copper. Two other holes (NCRD005 and NCRD026) have successfully extended known mineralisation by an additional 50 metres east and 100 metres west respectively.
The western extension is particularly significant as it validates the company's interpretation of a potential structural repeat of the Nyungu Central deposit approximately 500 metres west of the main resource. This target is supported by historical airborne geophysical data collected by Anglo American in 2001.
"The substantial breadth of exploration success achieved to date has strongly positioned Mumbezhi amongst the leading copper exploration assets in Zambia," said Managing Director Sam Hosack. "Our focus with Phase 2 is all about greater use of scout drilling towards material extensions to the key deposits, increasing confidence on large-scale targets, with the ultimate goal of growing Mumbezhi in multiples beyond its existing MRE position."
Comprehensive Exploration Strategy Underway
Beyond the diamond drilling programme, Prospect is implementing a multi-faceted exploration approach to unlock the broader potential of the Mumbezhi Project:
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Airborne Electromagnetic Survey: Set to commence shortly, this survey will target two key mineralised corridors – the 16km long north-south Nyungu Corridor and the southeast-trending Kabikupa-Kamafamba Corridor.
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Project-Wide Geochemical Sampling: A comprehensive soil sampling programme across the entire project area will begin in mid-July, using a 300m x 300m grid with full multi-element analysis.
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Metallurgical Testing: Ongoing metallurgical work for transitional mineralisation from Nyungu Central and Kabikupa is nearing completion, with initial results described as "very encouraging."
These initiatives will generate critical datasets to evaluate the broader copper mineralisation potential across the entire Mumbezhi tenement, which covers approximately 356 square kilometres of highly prospective ground in Zambia's Copperbelt region.
Understanding Copper Mineralisation at Mumbezhi
The Mumbezhi Project targets Lumwana-style copper deposits – structurally controlled, shear-hosted copper mineralisation developed within deformed Lower Roan and basement schists and gneisses. The predominant structural trend at Nyungu is north-south, with the mineralisation interpreted to strike at 015° true, dipping moderately to steeply west and plunging moderately north.
The current drilling has confirmed that copper mineralisation occurs in strained, mineralised "ore schist" horizons that thicken (dilate) on either side of unmineralised "rafts" of amphibolite. This understanding allows more precise targeting of potentially thicker zones of copper mineralisation, particularly down-plunge to the north-northwest.
What is a Lumwana-style copper deposit?
Lumwana-style copper deposits are large, structurally controlled copper deposits found in the northwestern region of Zambia's Copperbelt. Unlike the traditional oxide-dominant deposits of the central Copperbelt, these deposits are typically:
- Hosted in metamorphic basement rocks (schists and gneisses)
- Associated with structural deformation zones
- Primary sulphide-dominant (mainly chalcopyrite)
- Often containing variable amounts of cobalt, gold and uranium
- Generally lower grade but larger in scale than typical Copperbelt deposits
The Lumwana mine itself, operated by Barrick Gold, is one of Zambia's largest copper mines and serves as the type example for this style of mineralisation. These deposits typically require more sophisticated geological modelling to effectively target the higher-grade portions, as Prospect is now demonstrating at Mumbezhi.
Investment Perspective: Systematic Advancement of a Major Copper Asset
Prospect Resources is systematically advancing the Mumbezhi Copper Project as a significant copper development opportunity. The project already hosts a maiden mineral resource of 107.2 million tonnes at 0.5% copper for 514,600 tonnes of contained copper, announced in March 2025.
The current Phase 2 programme represents a significant step toward growing this resource base, with particular focus on:
- Extending known mineralisation at Nyungu Central through step-out drilling
- Testing new exploratory positions defined nearby to the north, west and south
- Evaluating the potential for satellite deposits at Kabikupa and other prospects
With copper being a critical metal for the global energy transition (electric vehicles contain up to 80kg of copper, four times that of conventional vehicles), Prospect is well-positioned to benefit from growing demand for this essential metal.
Why Investors Should Follow Prospect Resources
Prospect's Mumbezhi Project represents a compelling copper development opportunity for several reasons:
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Location in Tier-1 Mining Jurisdiction: The project is situated in Zambia's world-class Copperbelt region, near several major operating mines.
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Systematic Exploration Approach: The company is employing a methodical, multi-faceted exploration strategy to systematically evaluate and grow the resource base.
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Strategic Partnership: Technical expertise from First Quantum Minerals is contributing to exploration success.
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Growing Resource Base: The current 514,600-tonne copper resource provides a solid foundation, with significant potential for expansion.
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Copper Market Fundamentals: As a key metal for electrification and renewable energy transition, copper demand is projected to grow substantially in coming decades.
With Phase 2 drilling well underway and additional exploration programmes set to commence shortly, investors can expect a steady flow of news as Prospect continues to advance the Mumbezhi Copper Project through 2025 and beyond.
Ready to Tap Into Zambia's Next Major Copper Opportunity?
Discover how Prospect Resources is methodically advancing the Mumbezhi Copper Project towards becoming a significant copper development in Zambia's world-class Copperbelt. With impressive drill results confirming substantial mineralisation and a systematic exploration approach yielding promising extensions, Mumbezhi represents a compelling investment opportunity in the critical metals space. For complete details on the latest drilling results and to follow Prospect's progress as they continue to expand their 514,600-tonne copper resource, visit Prospect Resources' ASX announcements page.
